College student seeking like-minded roommate(s) (Dekalb, IL)

I am 25, female, smoker (but more than willing to smoke outside only,) “party-er,” environmentalist, political activist, NIU student and aspiring theoretical physicist. I am very uncomfortable with the idea of living with a random from a regular roommate-finding website, because I really don't think a random person and I will have compatible lifestyles.


I was hoping to rent a house or something and live with several people in a co-op style, but I am running out of time before school starts, so I am willing to do a more traditional roommate thing, but I have to first make sure that we won't clash too hard, so that is why I am looking in places like this.


I am adamant about the following things. I recycle everything possible and try to avoid even using any products that are not from “sustainable” materials. Because of both strong feelings on environmentalism and extreme poverty, I also keep utilities bills to a minimum. If we do not get a free wi-fi signal that I can leech off of from NIU, we need internet. I want electricity and running water, obviously, but I use them minimally, meaning no leaving on appliances when not in use, and no having a TV on 24/7 for “background noise,” using air conditioning rarely if ever, keeping the heat as low as tolerable- meaning keeping it only 60 degrees and wearing thick hoodies inside and such. Minimalize garbage by recycling and making compost piles. If at all possible, I would like to have a garden, but if not, I will dispose of all compost in usable ways to other people who do have gardens. I also am fine with not even paying for trash pick-up and just taking our garbage to dumpsters of like restaurants and such. I will do all the work for such things. I use public transportation and bicycle. If you have a car and want to pay for parking yourself, that's fine, but I am not contributing to parking or vehicle costs. I am vegan and have a lot of digestive health issues which prohibit me from eating most foods, so unless you have a similar diet, food-sharing might not be easy, but I would still prefer to eat communally when possible. I am not at all above Dumpster-diving and going to food pantries. I also have food stamps, and I am willing to contribute whatever I can to everyone's food costs. I am not the kind of vegan that gives a damn if you eat meat. I am fine with sharing dishes and all that. I am far from an avid drug user, but I do OCCASIONALLY indulge, and I have stoner friends that I would like to welcome to be open about what they do when at my place. I also would like to be able to host couch-surfers without the roommate having a problem. I do not drink and would prefer to minimalize large parties, but I can deal with you having all kinds of people over and doing whatever you want as long as no one steals or destroys my stuff. In other words, anyone that you invite is your responsibility. Same goes for me, of course.


I have several places in mind to rent. All are within a couple miles of downtown Dekalb, public transportation, and the Northern Illinois University campus. If several people want to move in together, I will sign a lease for a house or condo with several bedrooms. My fiancee will be sharing a bedroom with me. Division of rent payments is negotiable. Like I said, I would like to live cooperatively, but if you don't want to, especially for the first few months, we can find an agreement for what is a fair division. If I don't find anybody who wants to be my roommate after reading that description, then my fiancee and I will have to rent a one-bedroom. I would be okay with that, but it is looking like it will cost more than my budget allows. My fiancee have about $1500 a month to contribute to expenses, including our personal needs, like … cigarettes and medical care, for example. One other person or a couple sharing a room the second bedroom in a two-bedroom would be nice. The lease will be in my name unless you want to sign it too; I don't care either way. I already am on the list of possible renters for several properties. I am ready to pay security deposit and sign a lease for one of them right now, but I need to know now if I am going to have to settle for a one-bedroom or not. If you want to live in the second bedroom but are not yet ready to move, but can promise me that you will within a few months, I will rent a two-bedroom and just leave your room vacant and pay rent myself until you get here.